The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has produced governorship candidates in more than 10 states as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Rotimi Amaechi and Mohammed Hayatu-Deen head into a high-stakes presidential primary after consensus talks collapsed.
Atiku, Amaechi, Hayatu-Deen Enter Tough Race
However, the ADC failed to secure a consensus presidential candidate despite several meetings among party leaders and stakeholders. The deadlock pushed the party toward a direct primary election.
Meanwhile, the party’s screening committee led by Liyel Imoke cleared Atiku Abubakar, former Rivers State governor Rotimi Amaechi, and banker Mohammed Hayatu-Deen for the presidential contest.
Furthermore, sources within the party said efforts to convince aspirants to step down ended without success. One source said all attempts failed because none of the contenders agreed to withdraw.
In response, National Publicity Secretary Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi gave a short reply when asked about the process. He simply said, “Primaries.”
ADC Unveils Governorship Candidates Across States
Meanwhile, the ADC also moved ahead with governorship primaries in several states ahead of the 2027 election.
In Kebbi State, former Attorney-General of the Federation Abubakar Malami emerged as the governorship candidate through consensus. In Bauchi State, Halliru Dauda Jika also secured the ticket as the sole candidate.
Furthermore, former Nigeria Ports Authority Managing Director Umar Suleiman Ummarana emerged as Adamawa State candidate after Muhammadu Jibrilla Bindow stepped down.
Consequently, Barrister Kassim Gana Gaidam emerged through consensus in Yobe State, while former House of Representatives member Zakari Mohammed clinched the ticket in Kwara State.
Meanwhile, veteran journalist Dr Effiong Nyong secured the ADC governorship ticket in Cross River State after stakeholders adopted him through a voice vote.
In Rivers State, Dr Gabriel Pidomson defeated former lawmaker Farah Dagogo to win the ticket. Furthermore, Amb. Dare Bejide emerged as the party’s candidate in Ekiti State.
However, the party has not concluded governorship primaries in Katsina, Benue and Borno states.
Atiku Counts on Experience
Meanwhile, Atiku enters the race with decades of political experience. His presidential ambition dates back to 1993 under the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
Furthermore, he served as Vice President under former President Olusegun Obasanjo and later contested multiple presidential elections under different political platforms.
However, Atiku recently said the 2027 election would be his final attempt at the presidency. The statement fueled fresh debate about his determination to secure the ADC ticket.
Amaechi Rejects Step-Down Pressure
Meanwhile, Amaechi remains one of the strongest contenders in the race. The former Rivers State governor and former Speaker previously contested for the APC presidential ticket in 2023.
Furthermore, he recently stated that he did not buy the ADC nomination form to step down for anyone or become a vice-presidential candidate.
After his screening, Amaechi insisted he would only support any consensus arrangement if party leaders carried him along.
Hayatu-Deen Pushes for New Direction
Meanwhile, Mohammed Hayatu-Deen urged party delegates to use the primary process to prove that ADC can offer Nigerians a different path.
Furthermore, he said the election represents more than choosing a candidate. He described it as a major test of the party’s readiness to challenge what he called failed governance and recycled politics.
He also presented himself as a candidate without political baggage and said insecurity, unemployment and attacks on farming communities continue to threaten Nigeria’s growth.
Fresh Crisis Hits ADC
However, another development has added fresh tension inside the party.
A faction loyal to Dumebi Kachikwu dissolved the National Working Committee led by Senator David Mark and announced a new leadership structure.
Meanwhile, the group named Muhammad Bashir Abdulkadir as national chairman and declared Dumebi Kachikwu as its sole presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 election.
Furthermore, Kachikwu rejected the idea of leading a divided party and accused some party leaders of trying to force members out of the ADC structure.
